Kenneth "Ken" L. Johnson, 78, of Kearney, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at St. John's - Good Samaritan Society. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden with Rev. Sharon Rees officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's YouTube page. Interment will be held following the service at the Minden Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Ken's honor are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Kenneth "Ken" L. Johnson was born on April 8, 1946, in Minden to Cecil J. and Doris N. (Smith) Johnson. He grew up in the Minden area, graduating from Minden High School. Ken faithfully served in the United States Navy from September 20, 1965, to September 19, 1971. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Minden and began working at the Pioneer Village.

He was united in marriage to Barbara L. Laue on February 14, 1971, in Kearney, and to this union one daughter was born: Amy Lyn. The family made their home in Kearney, where Ken was employed at Eaton Corporation for many years. Following his retirement, he worked at Boogaarts and Culvers for a short time.

Growing up he found numerous Arrowheads in the country around the farm. He enjoyed learning how to make them and was good at it! He learned how to make Indian Moccasins and Indian Headdresses. One reached the floor with feathers. That headdress is now displayed at Pioneer Village in a full-length glass case. He was very artistic and could recreate almost anything just by looking at a picture. Ken was a talented wood worker, creating multiple wooden carousel horses. He loved playing 10-point pitch, going fishing and hunting, and working on cars with Amy. He also had a love for tootsie pops, especially the red ones.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Betty (Frank) Royse of Kearney; nephew, Larry (Shannon) Burgess Jr. of Wasilla, AK; niece, Teresa (Michael) Sumstine of Minden; brother and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Kay) Laue of Kearney, Pat Hotz of Omaha; and Butch (Cindy) Laue of Colorado; as well as a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Doris Johnson; wife, Barbara; daughter, Amy Johnson; sister-in-law, Rita Mortimore; and niece, Barbara Burgess Loper.


Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .